Object of the Month

There are a number of fascinating points about this item; if the handle is rock crystal, or quartz, then the carving and polishing work on it is exquisite, especially as there are so few flaws present within the matrix of the piece. It is more likely that this is a version of glass that has been used.

The enamelling work is beautifully executed as well, with a rich colouration. Perhaps the figure on the other side was the possible owner, or commissioner of the item.

Looking at the blade, it exhibits a pattern welded "Damascened steel" effect, with a water-like appearance. It is difficult to say if this is truly a damascened blade as the production of those blades seems to have ended around 1700. There is much mystery applied to damascened blades as they were of legendary sharpness and strength, and were supposed to be able to cut through lesser quality European swords and even rock. A similar effect can be achieved today with pattern welding, so it is difficult to confirm the age of this item, but it could be a much older blade within a later scabbard and fittings.

Donor information:
Very little seems to be known about the donor, how, why, or if he travelled abroad and collected these items or if he simply purchased them. All that we can confirm was that he took over the institution of Newton in Hereford on 23 January 1861, but resigned on the 7th May 1875. As the dagger was included with a number of other items of Persian, Roman and Greek origins through a bequeath in 1896, it is difficult to confirm their provenance, as there appears to be no information received at the time of the donation. It is a pity that we know so little as he was clearly a man with an acute eye for beautiful objects.